Sesquicent enni a l Edit ion 1861–2011
The Newsletter of the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Foundation
Country Music Star
Visits Battlefield
C
ountry western singing sensation Trace Adkins
toured Wilson’ Creek National Battlefield and met
with Wilson’s Creek Foundation supporters for a private
reception Friday afternoon, June 17, before his performance at the Show-Me Music & Arts Festival that evening. Mr. Adkins is well-known for such songs as “Arlington,” the story of a fallen soldier brought to be laid to
rest in the national cemetery, as well as being a finalist on
the reality television series “Celebrity Apprentice.”
Mr. Adkins became interested in Civil War history
through the stories of his ancestors passed down within
his family. His personal connection to history and the
ardent desire to see it preserved is what motivated him
to become involved in the Civil War Trust, a national
Civil War preservation organization credited with saving
30,000 acres of threatened battlefield ground in 20 different states. The Civil War Trust has been an active partner
in preservation efforts at Wilson’s Creek Foundation,
partnering with the Foundation to save more than 250
acres of land threatened by development adjacent to the
battlefield at Wilson’s Creek.
While at the
battlefield, Mr.
Adkins toured the
Visitor Center, saw
the historic Ray
House, and visited
the Civil War
Museum.
Foundation
President Steve
Ross said, “We
were pleased to
have Mr. Adkins
visit the battlefield
and especially to
see the museum
collection
assembled by Dr.
Tom and Karen
Trace Adkins tours the
Sweeney.”
Civil War museum
Winter, 2011/2012
Benjamin McCulloch
By Len Eagleburger
P
erhaps the most hardened and experienced military
commander at the Battle of Wilson’s Creek in 1861
was none other than Benjamin McCulloch. Born in Tennesee in 1811, he was the son of a veteran of the Creek
War of 1813-14 and the Battle of New Orleans in 1815
during the War of 1812. In Tennesee he was neighbors with Davy Crockett
and enlisted with his men to go to Texas (along with his
brother Henry) in
1835, but the “Tennesee Boys” left without
them because of
measles. They finally
reached San Antonio
after the Alamo had
fallen. In the War of
Texas Independence,
Ben McCulloch joined
the Texas army under
Sam Houston in its
retreat to east Texas.
Assigned to Captain
Isaac N. Moreland’s
artillery company at
the Battle of San
Jacinto (April 21,
1836), he commanded one of the “Twin Sisters” -- two
six-pounder cannon sent to aid the Texans by the citizens
of Cincinnati. He made deadly use of grapeshot against
the Mexican positions and received a battlefield commission as first lieutenant. McCulloch was then attached to
Capt. William H. Smith’s cavalry company, but left the
army to revisit Tennessee. He returned a few months
later with a company of thirty volunteers under the
command of Robert Crockett, Davy’s son and served
gallantly in winning Texas’s independence from Mexico. After Texas entered the Union in 1845, he was appointed
Major General in command of all Texas militia west of
the Colorado River. That same year, with the outbreak of
the war with Mexico, he raised a company of Rangers
that became Company A of Col. Hays’s 1st Regiment of
Texas Mounted Volunteers, who were known for their
See McCulloch on page 3
Dedicated to the Support of Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield
Words from the President
by Steve Ross
of the cannons and the galloping horses were better
than the best 3-D, surround-sound, movie theatre.
We had hoped the reenactment would help us raise
money for our effort to add a museum wing to the visitor center, but due to some of the setbacks I mentioned
earlier, the 150th Anniversary Reenactment wasn’t a
big money maker for the foundation. Thankfully we
made a small profit but, more importantly, we met
our major goal—to get the next generation interested
in history. To make them appreciate all that has gone
before so that they will have a better vision for the future, and a greater respect for the hallowed ground of
places like Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield. I heard
a lot of visitors say that they had never visited Wilson’s
Creek, or any Civil War battlefield before our reenactment. Hopefully this new audience will be the caretakers of these places when the bicentennial of the Civil
War is commemorated in 2061 and we can rest assured
that places like Wilson’s Creek will be protected for
many generations to come.
I recently visited the Civil War Museum after it
closed its doors for the last time on December 1. I got
a lump in my throat as I watched park service employees packing artifacts in boxes for storage or transfer
to Harpers Ferry for conservation. It was sad to see
the empty display cases that once told the story of the
conflict west of the Mississippi, but I am relieved that
efforts by our Foundation will keep the vast majority
of these artifacts here at Wilson’s Creek. Much of the
collection will be back for the public to view in 2013 in
cases squeezed into the existing Visitor Center. We will
continue to work in the coming year to build a larger,
permanent home for this outstanding collection. With
your continued support I know we can get it done.
Best wishes for the new year!
I want to express my apologies
to our Foundation members for the
lateness of this newsletter. What
was meant to be a summer newsletter has become the summer/
fall/winter newsletter. The planning, hosting and follow-up work
related to the 150th anniversary of
the battle of Wilson’s Creek kept
us so busy that the newsletter had
to be put on a back burner. Now that a very busy year
has come to an end we hope to make it up to you with a
bigger issue to recap an extraordinary year.
Foundation members and many other volunteers
worked tirelessly for a year and a half to prepare for
the Battle of Wilson’s Creek 150th Anniversary Reenactment this past August 11–14. It was an outstanding
event! A few unexpected setbacks including a devastating EF-5 tornado in Joplin and flooding in northern Missouri justifiably diverted some funding and
resources (such as bridges) to these hard hit areas.
Resourceful members of our reenactment committees
found other sources for bridge materials and secured
contributions of time, materials and money from many
generous companies and individuals. We had to get by
with one less bridge than we planned, and temperatures in the 100’s during July and early August made
miserable work for the crews preparing the site. But
the necessary work was completed and the temperatures dropped into the 80’s just in time for the event.
Almost 3,000 reenactors recreated different battle
scenes from August 10, 1861, accompanied by dozens
of horses, and at least as many cannons as were present during the original battle. It was a truly unforgettable experience that surrounded the spectators with
the sights, sounds, smells and feel of history. The spectacle of thousands of soldiers, vibrations from the roar
Steve Ross, President
The Mission of the Wilson’s Creek
National Battlefield Foundation
Have any stories of local or historical interest
relating to the Civil War? We’re always on the
lookout for new stories and unique images for
The Bugle Call. Please send your newsletter
contributions to:
To work in cooperation with and to support the Wilson’s Creek
National Battlefield, a unit of the National Park Service and
its staff. To further, by all proper and legitimate agencies and
means, the acquisition of Civil War historical properties and
materials especially those related to the Battle of Wilson’ Creek,
or usable in the interpretation of the Wilson’s Creek battle. To be
a friend of the park whose primary purpose is to support Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield in a partnership through activities which may include fund-raising, volunteerism, education,
advocacy, and research.
Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Foundation
Attn: Bugle Call Editor
P.O. Box 8163
Springfield, MO 65801
FAX to: 417-864-7428
E-mail: [email protected]
2
Civil War Museum Closes
F
or the past six years, since shortly
after the National Park Service purchased the General Sweeny’s Museum
trans-Mississippi Civil War collection
in August 2005, the Wilson’s Creek
Foundation has been working on a
project to move the priceless artifacts
to the battlefield Visitor Center, where
it will be safer and more accessible
to the public. Many battlefield visitors just didn’t have
time to go up the road to the museum, and the Foundation Board felt it was important to make this wonderful
resource available to more people. Through conversations with NPS Midwest Region and Wilson’s Creek staff,
an understanding was reached that the ultimate goal for
collection was to build a museum wing attached to the
Visitor Center with new, state-of-the-art exhibits. Although
there was no guarantee that government funds would be
available for this project, the Foundation Board decided
to move forward, hiring an architect to draw plans for
the addition and contracting with an exhibit designer to
provide the schematic design of new museum exhibits.
Over a period of several years, battlefield staff, Foundation
members, and Civil War scholars have worked with the
architects and exhibit designers on this project, but it has
become clear that government budgetary constraints and
the difficulty of raising enough private funds in the current economic climate make completing a new museum
unlikely in the next five to ten years.
Aware of the difficulty of funding a new museum
wing anytime soon and increasingly concerned about
the safety and security of the collection, the NPS began
considering other alternatives in November of 2010. Although a new museum wing at Wilson’s Creek remains
the park service’s stated long term goal, a consolidation
strategy was proposed to improve the preservation and
protection of the museum artifacts and increase public access. This strategy would require closing the present museum, but it was agreed that it would remain open until
after the sesquicentennial of the battle in August 2011.
In September 2011 the NPS announced that a contract to
design and build new museum exhibits for the Visitor
Center was in place. This process includes moving most
of the collection to the Visitor Center for storage while
the project is under way. Many of the objects are being
assessed for conservation needs, and some will be sent
to the NPS Harper’s Ferry Center to be conserved before
being returned to Wilson’s Creek. The first design team
meeting to identify themes for the new exhibits was held
at the battlefield in September, and the Civil War Museum was closed to the public on December 1. The design
project will continue for the next 16 months, with new
exhibits scheduled to be installed by April of 2013.
Although the Foundation’s goal for the trans-Mississippi museum collection has always been and remains a
new wing with exhibits that can
accommodate the majority of the
artifacts, incorporate modern museum
design elements, and serve as an
educational resource for casual visitors and researchers alike, the preservation and protection of the collection
is an important consideration. Since
funding a new wing is not possible at
this time, we will continue to cooperate with NPS and
Wilson’s Creek personnel in the best interests of the
battlefield and its visitors. For more information about the
current museum project, contact the Foundation office at
417-864-3041.
McCulloch continued from page 1
ability to regularly travel 250 miles in ten days or less. He
subsequently was named chief of scouts under Gen.
Zachary Taylor, with the rank of major. McCulloch led his
scouting company as mounted infantry at the Battle of
Monterrey and his expert reconnaissance work preceding
the Battle of Buena Vista probably saved Taylor’s army
from disaster. After Buena Vista he was promoted to the
rank of major of U.S. Volunteers. When the Civil War
broke out in April of 1861, he received a colonel’s commission from Confederate President Jefferson Davis after
Texas seceded in February, 1861. In May of the same
year, Davis promoted him to brigadier general. McCulloch was placed in command of the Indian Territory.
He set up his headquarters at Little Rock, and began
piecing together an Army of the West, with regiments
from Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana. He disagreed
strongly with General Sterling Price of Missouri, but with
the assistance of Brigadier General Albert Pike, he was
able to build alliances for the Confederacy with the
Cherokee, Choctaw, and Creek nations and on August
10, 1861, handily defeated the Union army of General
Nathaniel Lyon at the Battle of Wilson’s Creek, Missouri. McCulloch commanded the Confederate right wing at
the Battle of Pea Ridge (or Elkhorn Tavern), Arkansas,
and on March 7, 1862, after much maneuvering his troops
overran a key Union artillery battery. Union resistance
stiffened late in the morning, however, and as McCulloch
rode forward to scout out enemy positions, he was shot
out of the saddle and died instantly. McCulloch always
disliked army uniforms and was wearing a black velvet
civilian suit and Wellington boots at the time of his death.
Credit for the fatal shot was claimed by sharpshooter
Peter Pelican of the 36th Illinois Infantry.
A muzzle-loading rifle could be loaded
and fired at a rate of about 3 rounds per
minute. Its maximum effective range was
about 300-500 yards.
3
Wilson’s Creek Publishing Announces the Release of
Battle of Wilson’s Creek 150th Anniversary
Commemorative Photo Book
Wilson’s Creek Publishing in cooperation with Irwin
Printing Company, Inc. are proud to offer the premier
print edition of Battle of Wilson’s Creek 150th Anniversary
Commemorative Photo Book now available in hard back.
In the first year of the Civil War, The Battle of Wilson’s Creek was the first major battle west of the
Mississippi River in what turned out to be the third-most fought after state. On August 12-14, this historical and
tide-shifting battle was reenacted for its 150th anniversary. A team of six professional photographers was brought
together to capture the heart of this one time event.
Battle of Wilson’s Creek 150th Anniversary Commemorative Photo Book is a high quality photo book,
focused on commemorating the people who re-enact the battle of Wilson’s Creek.
The Battle of Wilson’s Creek 150th Anniversary Commemorative Photo Book can be purchased at Irwin
Printing in Republic, Missouri or online at www.wilsonscreekpublishing.com. More than half of the first printing
has been sold, and a second printing is already being planned to accommodate the demand for this premium
photo documentation of this historical event.
$29.95
To order call Irwin Printing Co., Inc. at 417-831-1878
or go to www.WilsonsCreekPublishing.com
New Cell Phone Tour
8th Annual Luminary
Tour Brings Big Turnout
at Wilson’s Creek
Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield recently announced that its new cellular phone tour is now available. Twelve stops on the tour road, at the Ray House
and on the Bloody Hill Trail have been developed for the
tour. Signs are posted at the individual locations.
Superintendent Ted Hillmer said, “Since most visitors
now have cell phones, this is another technology that can
benefit our visitors by educating them about the history of Wilson’s Creek.” The process is very simple: by
calling 1-800-521-0055 and dialing the stop number from
the sign, visitors receive a audio message that provides
interesting facts and fascinating stories about the battle,
the men who fought it, and the people living in the area
near Wilson’s Creek at the time. Sponsored by Eastern
National, a National Park Service partner, additional cellular phone tour stops are under development.
Visitors can also leave comments about their experiences at the battlefield and the tour by pressing *0 at
the end of any segment. Standard minute usages apply
based on your cellular service provider.
For information, call the Battlefield visitor center at
417-732-2662, extension 227.
For the eighth year in a row, Wilson’s Creek National
Battlefield hosted the Memorial Luminary Driving Tour
to celebrate the holiday season and honor the memories
of the soldiers who fought there. Over 2,539 luminaries
representing those killed, wounded, or missing at the
Battle of Wilson’s Creek, August 10, 1861 lined the entire
length of the five-mile tour road during the free event on
Saturday, December 10.
Over one hundred volunteers, including Boy Scouts,
Girl Scouts, Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil
War, Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Foundation
members, Ozark Civil War Roundtable members, and
other community organizations helped to decorate the
visitor center, assemble the luminaries, and distribute
them through the park. Many of the sacks were filled
with sand the week before the event. Scouts placed the
bags along the road on the day of the tour and placed
electric LED candles in each. The electric candles have
been used for the last 3 years to avoid issues with wind
or rain that might otherwise postpone the event.
A great volunteer turnout resulted in the fastest setup
and cleanup in the history of the Luninary Tour. Scouts
4
from Nixa troop 200 performed the flag ceremony and
played taps as the colors were lowered. The Kickapoo
High School choir sang Christmas carols throughout the
evening and the Foundation provided hot cider and
cookies to guests. An estimated 1,500 visitors attended
the event this year.
A brilliant full moon added an extra glow to the scene at the
Ray House, which was open for tours during the evening.
Left–Members of the Kickapoo High School choir sing carols
in a visitor center all decked out for the holidays.
Special limited time offers!
If you missed them at the reenactment, you can still get a t-shirt or reenactment book when you renew your membership.
If you have already renewed, call the Foundation office for special pricing at (417) 864-3041.
Receive a Wilson’s Creek
Andy Thomas print t-shirt
with a $50 membership.
Get your choice of 150th anniversary
logo or cannon photo t-shirts with a
$100 membership.
Get a Wilson’s Creek 150th
Anniversary Reenactment book
with membership of $10 or $25.
Shirt colors may vary. (No choice)
✁
I would like to help the Foundation in its work to preserve and
protect our battlefield.
Name ____________________________________________________________
Address__________________________________________________________
City _________________________________ State _ _____ Zip _ ____________
I would like to contribute at the following level:
❑ $10 Student ❑ $25 Individual
❑ $50 Patron/Family ❑ $100 Sustaining
T-shirt size ($50 level or higher): ❑ Small ❑ Medium
❑ Large ❑ XL ❑ 2XL ❑ 3XL
Youth Sizes:
❑ Y-Small ❑ Y-Medium ❑ Y-Large ❑ Y-XL
T-Shirt Style ($100 level or higher only):
Telephone (_______) ___________________
❑ 150th logo ❑ Cannon
Make checks payable to Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield
Foundation and mail with this completed form to:
WCNBF
E-mail __________________________________________
You will receive an acknowledgment of your gift. Thank you for your support!
5
PO Box 8163
Springfield, MO 65801
The 150th Anniversary Reenactment
How much time do we have?
During 2010, an extensive planning process got underway and gathered steam. It soon became obvious that a successful event of this size would take a tremendous effort from
the Reenactment Committee, the Foundation’s Board and
its supporters, and the community. Additional committees
were formed as preparations moved forward, and monthly
meetings of more than twenty Reenactment Committee Chair
people were held. The weekend of August 12-14, 2011, was
chosen for the reenactment, a site near the battlefield was
identified, an agreement was reached with the Blue-Gray
Alliance, various events and activities were considered and
planned, and a reenactment web site was designed to provide
public information and a registration process for the reenactors. Fundraising to cover major event expenses was initiated,
and a marketing campaign began publicizing the reenactment. The committee also developed a mission statement: to
commemorate and preserve the history of the Civil War in the
Ozarks, to encourage debate about the meaning and impact
of the war, to create public interest in the Civil War and the
Battle of Wilson’s Creek, to promote educational activities,
and to recruit the next generation of caretakers of the Wilson’s
Creek Battlefield. The Foundation identified ways that reenactment proceeds would be used to benefit the battlefield—
for education programs, land preservation efforts, and a new
Civil War Museum wing for the trans-Mississippi collection.
A bridge under construction across Wilson’s Creek.
Why a Reenactment?
Over two years ago the Wilson’s Creek Foundation
Board began talking about an event to commemorate the
150th anniversary of the Battle of Wilson’s Creek in August
of 2011. Since the most common question from battlefield
visitors is “When is the next reenactment?” that seemed to
be the most logical choice. But board members didn’t want
to simply recreate the battle; they wanted to hold an event
that would have something for everyone, while highlighting the importance of history and raising public awareness
about the battlefield. Foundation Board Member Jim Cox
had been instrumental in planning the 130th anniversary
reenactment in 1991, and we were thrilled when he agreed
to lead the effort this time, with assistance from his brother
Stormy Cox. They began recruiting members of a Reenactment Committee to work on preparing a budget, planning a
fundraising campaign, choosing possible dates, and looking
for a suitable site. The committee also held discussions with
the Blue-Gray Alliance, a national reenactor organization,
and Wide Awake Films, a Kansas City company that has
extensive experience making Civil War films.
6
of the Battle of Wilson’s Creek
Are we crazy!?!
The spring and summer months of 2011 raced by at
a frantic pace, as more than twenty committees finalized
plans for the various elements of the reenactment weekend.
Education activities were scheduled for Thursday, August 11;
old-time activities, music, and entertainment were planned;
historical and educational groups were recruited to provide informational displays; Civil War author talks were
organized; emergency services were arranged; alcohol sales
procedures were determined; ticket sales venues were chosen
and set up; and a full-scale effort to prepare the site was underway, complicated by extreme heat and summer drought
conditions. Thousands of reenactors registered for the event,
and sutlers selling Civil War era goods signed up to attend.
The telephone at the Foundation office rang constantly, with
questions and requests for information. There were countless decisions to be made—how many food vendors; what
size and number of tents; where various activities would
take place; whether the cornfield would survive; how much
hay, straw, firewood, water, and ice would the reenactors
need; and would everything be ready on time! Hundreds of
volunteers were needed to handle parking, crowds, activities,
entertainment, the beer garden, and supplies for the reenactor
camps. And of course, a few unexpected difficulties required
adjustments in the plans as momentum was building and
time was running short.
Reenactors portraying the Missouri State Guard
fire at Federal soldiers.
Ready or not?
The week of the reenactment was finally here, and
we weren’t sure we were actually ready. With the help
of MODOT, two bridges had been built across Wilson’s
Creek, trees had been removed, and thorn bushes and
brush were cleared from the area. The site was as ready
as Stormy Cox and his crew could make it, and reenactors
and sutlers began arriving the weekend before the reenactment. Tents popped up; Union, Confederate, and civilian camps appeared; a dusty street was lined with sutler
shops; an 1860s town was portrayed; horses splashed
through the creek; and cannons were scattered throughout the 700-acre site. The transformation of the landscape
was amazing—looking at the scene was like traveling
back in time to the 1860s. Of course, we needed modern
accommodations too—over a hundred port-a-potties
were distributed around the site, and food vendors,
emergency services, ice trucks, and secure accounting
facilities were arranged near the service entrance. Special
quiet generators provided electricity for ATM machines,
computer ticket sales, microphones, speakers, the beer
garden, and food vendors. Water tanks were placed in the
reenactor camps and donated tanker trucks and trailers
kept them filled. But committees were still working out
details and some decisions still had to be made!
All photos by Steve Ross
7
Could it have been any better?
Cannon fire kicks off the beginning of the Friday battle.
Sutlers set up rows of tents from which to sell their wares.
The week of the reenactment brought showers and milder
temperatures, a welcome relief from the summer drought and excessive heat. When Thursday arrived, we knew we had no more
time to prepare. August 11 was publicized as a free education
night, with military drills, reenactor camps open, sutlers selling
Civil War goods, educational programs, and night cannon firing
demonstrations. Teachers and families with children streamed in
to watch the activities and get a preview of the weekend. We were
still working out some kinks, but everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. After a shower during the night, Friday dawned sunny
and pleasant. It was a little rough getting up and running as the
crowds arrived, but by noon everything was smoothing out. The
opening ceremony with local dignitaries took place at 9 a.m., and
the first reenactment on the east side of Wilson’s Creek began
at 10:30, with horses charging across the bridge and the sound
of cannon fire resounding across the valley. The day was filled
with period music, craft demonstrations, Civil War author talks,
army skirmishes, old-time activities, a working steam engine,
and 1860s-style shopping in the sutler tents. Friday highlights
included a gentlemen’s duel, fashion show, period wedding,
another battle reenactment in the afternoon, and night cannon
firing. Tractors and ATVs buzzed around the site all day, carrying
ice and supplies to the reenactor camps and transporting people
to and from the parking areas. Vendors provided food and drinks,
the beer garden along the creek offered a cool spot for relaxing,
and the Foundation tent was busy selling special event t-shirts
and reenactment books. Authentic camping with the troops was
available for anyone who was brave enough to eat 1860s rations
and sleep on the ground in a Civil War tent. Saturday and Sunday
continued the same basic program. Saturday’s highlights included period baseball games, an evening military dress ball, and
of course, morning and afternoon battle reenactments. Saturday
was the biggest day for attendance. Some traffic problems developed in the morning, but they were soon resolved by the parking
crew and local law enforcement personnel. On Sunday the event
was beginning to wind down, and the reenactors who had traveled some distance were packing up to leave. The outdoor church
service at 10 a.m. was well attended, and the last battle reenactment took place at noon. In the afternoon crowds dwindled, and
the amazing weekend came to a close.
The St. Louis Brown Stockings
demonstrate how baseball
was played in the 1860’s.
A military dress ball was held on Saturday evening.
Visitors watch gentlemen duel.
8
Was it worth it?
We had hoped all the planning and preparations would
create an experience that people would enjoy and remember
for years to come. When the reenactment was over, we were
all too exhausted to assess the weekend right away. In the following months, though, as we heard positive comments and
complaints, we evaluated the event from the perspective of
our original mission. If we were successful in raising awareness about the important places that embody our past, if we
fostered an interest in history and the Civil War, if we reached
young people and made them care about the future of Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield, then we were successful in
our mission and our efforts were worthwhile. The financial
accounting took several months, and a number of factors
caused expenses to be higher than we expected. When all the
bills had been paid and sponsorships and donations had been
included, a modest balance remained in the plus column. Although it wasn’t as large as we hoped, the funds will be used
to support projects we had identified to benefit the battlefield.
And everyone who asks, “When is the next reenactment?”
gets the same response—“We’ll have to think about it.”
Board members helped sell t-shirts in the Foundation’s tent.
Sunday morning church service was held under the shade
of trees along the banks of Wilson’s Creek.
A young reenactor brings water to the fallen soldiers
laying under the hot August sun.
A “wounded” soldier is helped
from the field of battle.
9
Our deepest gratitude to all who worked so hard
and gave so much to make the Wilson’s Creek
150th Anniversary Reenactment Possible !
Family Camping . . . . . . . . Tim Killion, Lee Ann Walker
Finance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brian Hickman, Craig Dunn
Fundraising . . . . . . . . . . . . Tom Strong
Historical Exhibits . . . . . . Connie Langum
Legal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . James Jeffries
Military Activities . . . . . . Daniel Keith
NPS liaison . . . . . . . . . . . . Ted Hillmer
Activities/Games . . . . . . . Lauren Hillmer, Brad Ross
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tom Demanche
Preliminary Events . . . . . Lorraine Sandstrom
PR/Marketing . . . . . . . . . .Mar’Ellen Felin
Scenarios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bill Piston, Rick Goman
Security/Safety . . . . . . . . . Shea Lane, Brian Sells
Site Management . . . . . . . Stormy Cox
Sutlers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Andy Fulks
Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . Mark Whisler
Volunteers . . . . . . . . . . . . . Krystal McCulloch, James Haley Cox
Wilson’s Creek Foundation Board of Directors
Steve Ross, President
Craig Dunn, Vice President
Carol Grimes, Secretary
Brian Hickman, Treasurer
Susan Beine, Jim Cox, Mar’Ellen Felin, John Gerdes,
James Jeffries, Ken McClure, Mary McQueary,
Jack Muench, Tom Sweeney, Mark Whisler
Reenactment Committee Chairs
Reenactment Co-Chairs . Jim Cox, Steve Ross
Beer Garden . . . . . . . . . . . Charles McDonough
Civilian Activities . . . . . . . John Gerdes
Concessions . . . . . . . . . . . . David Bauer
Crafters/Performers . . . . Connie Chadwick
Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mary Beth Cox
O Reilly Hospitality Group
AT&T
Bill Beall Company
Major ($5,000)
Captain ($2,500)
Corporate Sponsors
Descendents of General Sterling Price
BNSF
Bass Pro, Inc.
KY3
Midwest Living
Clear Channel Radio
Republic Ford
Missouri Brigade
Richard and Rose Ann Splitter
CONCO Company
Ken McClure
Will Fischer Distributing Co.
Fisk Limousine Inc
O&S Trucking
Dairy Farmers of America
Irwin Printing
Steve Ross, SR Graphics
Gordon Kinne-Med-Pay, Inc
Gary Leonard, Steak n’ Shake
Steve Slith
Springfield First Community Bank
Larry Snyder Construction Co.
Donald DeHaven
Elliott Lodging, Inc
First Independent Bank-Aurora,
MO
Turner Family Foundation
Mary & Rick McQueary
TCI Graphics
John & Pat Purtell
Andrew & Jill Blunt
Wide Awake Films
Lieutenant ($1,000) John & Carolyn Gerdes
Sam & June Hamra
State Bank of Southwest Missouri
Roy & Charlene Johnson
Empire Bank
Bill & Virginia Darr
Tom & Kay Finnie
Matt & Melanie Blunt
Our sincere gratitude to additional organizations and individuals providing support during the reenactment
MO Sesquicentennial Commission—Judd Slivka, Beverly Kruel, Steven Glynias, 10th Missouri Infantry, MO Army Nat. Guard 935th Aviation
Support Battalion, Action Tent, Battlefield Septic, Big Rigs—Danno Selim, Campbell Ford, Camping World RV Sales, Fall Creek Corporation,
Federal Protection, Lamar Advertising, Loomis Armored US, Ozarks Public Broadcasting, Sign-A-Rama, Springfield CVB, Rick Schnell,
Storm Electric, TCI Graphics, Clint Vannatta, RSC Rental, Paul Eck, Bob Ogden, Curt Doennig, Bill Johnmeyer, Morgan Rinker
Special acknowledgements
Family members of Wilson’s Creek Foundation Board, Dulin-Sawyer Family, Mark Clark Family, Travis Miller Family, Dr. John Marshall,
Charlie Stark, Fran Black, Jane Mooneyham, James Baumlin, Jon Herbert & the OTC Players, Stickley Family—Back Porch Players, St. Louis
Brown Stockings, Kevin Smith—BSA Troop 160, Republic Lions Club, Days Inn South, LaQuinta Inn and Suites-Airport, Sleep Inn-Medical
District, University Plaza Hotel & Convention Center, Baxter Springs Historical Society, Daughters of Union Veterans, Eastern National,
Newtonia Battlefields Association, Phelps Camp 66 SUV, Republic Historical Society, SW MO Indian Center, Springfield Regional Arts
Council, Watershed Committee of the Ozarks
Special thanks to the Western Division of the Blue-Gray Alliance
for hosting the 150th Anniversary Reenactment of the Battle of Wilson’s Creek: General Terry Crowder, Commander, First Federal
Division; Major General Joe Way, Commander, and Colonel Mark Way, Chief of Staff, Cleburne’s Division.
10
Superintendent’s Corner
Dear Foundation Members,
Every year presents itself with important dates to
carve into the annals of history. It could be special legislation that was passed, inventions, discoveries, weather
phenomena, or any other event of historical significance.
This year was no exception for Wilson’s Creek NB, with
the sesquicentennial anniversary of the Civil War battle
that was fought here on August 10, 1861.
The Foundation went above and beyond the call of
duty this year by agreeing to plan, coordinate, and sponsor its largest and greatest event – the 150th Anniversary
Reenactment and Commemoration of the Battle of Wilson’s Creek. Thousands of hours were volunteered by
groups, individuals, State of Missouri employees, Foundation board members, and Wilson’s Creek staff to support
this special day in the history of the battlefield. Words
cannot express my appreciation to each of you for this
huge endeavor that educated thousands of visitors to the
importance of the battle fought here in southwest Missouri. Thank you for the contributions of time, energy,
and funds that produced such a wonderful program for
By Ted Hillmer
the greater Springfield area and surrounding states. This
is a date that will live on forever in the minds and hearts
of the so many of us – August 12-14, 2011.
With this event completed, other opportunities will
allow the Foundation to continue the commemoration of the
Civil War over the next three years. Potential projects have
been suggested to educate our visitors about the importance
of keeping history alive. Additional ideas are partnering
with other groups, purchasing additional land, and continuing to work toward a museum wing addition to the Visitor
Center for the trans-Mississippi theater Civil War collection.
I hope many of you had a chance to attend our 8th
annual Luminary Driving Tour event on December 10. As always, it was a special evening event that is free to the public.
Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year in
2012. Thank you for allowing me to work with the greatest friends’ group staff and board members in the National Park Service – Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield
Foundation.
Ted Hillmer,
Superintendent
New Members & Contributors
Our thanks to the following people who recently contributed to Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Foundation.
Mary & Mike Abroe
Don Akers
John & Connie Alexander
Jack & Laurel Babcock
Rosemary Bane
Brent Barnett
Larry & Sundhild Barrett
Susan Beine
Brian Beirne
Shawn Billings
David Brigman
Kenneth Buckingham
Mary Burns
David & Stacy Burton
Virginia Bussey
David & Sandra Byrd
David Callihan
Robert Capps
Thomas Coay
John Coryell
Owen Case
Bill Charles
Michael Charnisky
Gary Conwell
K Craig
Bill &Virginia Darr
Cindy DeLong
Marilyn Dexter
Randall Doennig
Thomas Doneker
Steve Drake
Craig Dunn
Len Eagleburger
Ron Elkins, Jr.
Empire Bank
Ed Evans
Mar’Ellen Felin
Robert &Sally Flanders
Hadley &Jacqueline Ford
Richard Freihofer
Hal & Kathy Funk
John Gerdes
Jackie Glover
Charles Goodwin
Ray & Betty Greenlee
Carol Grimes
Catherine C. Guastella
Jerry Guttormsson
Fred & Fuki Hall
Jack & Virginia Halterman
Sam & June Hamra
Judd W. Harris
Brian & Brandy Hickman
Hiland Dairy
Ted Hillmer
Ronald Himstedt
Carl Lee Hollis
Karen Horny
James Houghton
John Houlehan
Rev. & Mrs. Nicholas Inman
James Jeffries
Roy & Charlene Johnson
Warford & Jane Ann Johnson
Christopher Jones
Marcus Jones
Robert & Barbara Kipfer
Tracy Kimberlin
Stephen Kintz
Mary Jo Kirkey
Alan Kloehn
Mildred Lampe
Connie Lawson
Regina Leitle
Faye & Richard Loeb
Bill & Kathy Love
Lesleigh Luttrell
Dan Mallett
Harold & Jacquelyn Maloney
Richard & Jedonna Marckmann
Maurice Joe Martinez
Kayse Maryott
Mark Maurice
Gordon & Mona McCann
Ken McClure
Fred & Ramona McQueary
Mary & Rick McQueary
Bill Melville
Suzanne Modlinski
Tim & Roberta Montgomery
Jack Muench
John L. Nau III
Robert Nichols
Brian & Heather Noggle
Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr. Pepper
Mark & Karen Perrault
David Perry
Michael Pierce
William & Nancy Piston
11
John & Pat Purtell
Martha Railey
Janet Reppert
Don & Sally Richardson
James Ridenour
Steve and Corine Ross
Bill & Toni Roush
Jim & Dori Scaminaci
Steve Schnurbusch
Michael Schroeppel
Holmes Semken
Patricia Sharp
Jeff Shaara
Silver Dollar City
Dick Simpson
Jewell Smith
Lyle Sparkman
Lezah & Ron Stenger
Tom Strong
Clay W. Stuckey
Tom & Karen Sweeney
Naomi Tate
Thomas Telle
Ralph Thaemlitz
Florence Thompson
Bruce Throckmorton
John M. Vaughn III
D. Christopher Warren
David White
Mike & Carol Williamson
Roger & Jackie Willmann
Jackie Williams
JoAnn Yocom
Rare Price Artifacts are Reunited at Wilson’s Creek
W
ilson’s Creek Nation
Battlefield in partnership
with The Museum of the Confederacy, Richmond, Virginia,
reunited artifacts of Major General Sterling Price during August 2011. This special exhibit
included Major General’s Price
presentation sword & scabbard,
Colt revolver, field glasses, eyeglasses and case, snuff box, and
his St. Louis Grays membership
medal. Of special interest are the presentation sword
and field glasses.
The presentation sword was given to Major General Price by the women of New Orleans in 1862
shortly after the Battle of Lexington, Missouri. It features symbols of Missouri and Louisiana. At the time
of its manufacture, by Thomas Griswold and Company,
it was reputed to be the finest Confederate sword in
existence, costing approximately $1,000.00. The sum
was raised by public subscription with no donation
exceeding $1.00.
The field glasses were given to Major General Price
by the Ladies of Memphis, Tennessee, January 1st 1863.
The Price family loaned this pair of field glasses to the
United States government during both the Spanish –
American War of 1898 and World War I.
All artifacts, except for the revolver, were returned
to the Museum of the Confederacy in early September.
The revolver, with the image of Sterling Price carved in
the ivory handle, remains on display in the visitor
center at Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield on permanent loan from the Price family.
Wilson’s Creek
National Battlefield
Foundation
P.O. Box 8163
Springfield, MO 65801
Visit o
ur
www.w Expanded W
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ilsons
creek. site!
com
Address Correction Requested